Vertically deployed sports goal

ABSTRACT

A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This International Application Filed Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty(PCT) claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/774,335, filedJan. 28, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to sports goals. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a vertically deployedsports goal.

2. Related Art

A variety of sports games require a rectangular playing surface and apair of sports goals. Sports playing fields, such as for soccer, fieldhockey, lacrosse and other sports are large in size and requireconsiderable grass field space and related maintenance. Many facilities,such as schools and community centers, have limited funds and/or space.This is particularly the case in lower income urban localities whereboth funding and sports playing fields are scarce commodities. In suchlocalities, often the only open space dedicated for outdoor sports is anasphalt or concrete basketball court.

The popularity of soccer is increasing in this country, including byyoungsters to an ever-increasing degree. Soccer is an outdoor activitythat may be enjoyed by players having a wide variety of skill sets andages. Further, games such as soccer have minimal equipment requirements,other than a playing surface, soccer goals and a soccer ball. Soccergoals include a horizontal crossbar supported by a pair of goal posts,and a structural frame extending rearward from the bottom of the goalposts and providing a counter-balance to the cross-bar and goal posts,and an attached net. When not in use, soccer goals require a largestorage space, preferably in a dry space to mitigate against rust andweathering, as well as to protect against vandalism. These goals mustthen be relocated from their storage locations to the appropriatepositions upon the playing surface to be used.

Other soccer goal arrangements include collapsible soccer goals whichare much smaller and lighter than their official versions as generallydescribed above. As such by their nature, these arrangements are flimsyin comparison. Collapsible soccer goals may include a plurality oftelescoping poles connected endwise to form a rectangular goal opening,support poles extending rearward from the top corners of the goal to theground or playing surface, and an attached net. Some arrangements mayinclude poles which are hingedly attached that enable to the goal to beunfolded to a deployed position. These collapsible soccer goals have theadvantage of being readily deployable on a variety of available playingsurfaces. Grass spikes (to the extent the playing surface permits)and/or physical weights, such as sand bags, may be used in an attempt tokeep these goals in place during play.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improvedsports goal.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a retractablesports goal. The sports goal includes a goal frame housing. The goalframe includes a crossbar housing section with first and second housingends. The sports goal further includes a goal frame. The goal frame hasa playing position and a retracted position. The goal frame includes acrossbar having first and second crossbar ends. In the retractedposition the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section. Inthe playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from thecrossbar housing section. The goal frame further includes first andsecond goal posts. Each of the first and second goal posts has a topend, a bottom end and a post body disposed between the top and bottomends. The top ends of the first and second goal posts are respectivelyconnected to the first and second crossbar ends with the crossbar beingdisposed perpendicular to the first and second goal posts.

The sports goal further includes a cover plate having first and secondcover ends portions, a main cover portion disposed between the first andsecond cover end portions, and first and second post openings. The maincover portion is positionable along the crossbar housing section. Thecover plate and the crossbar housing section are cooperatively sized andconfigured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retractedposition. The first cover end portion and the main cover portion arecooperatively formed to surround the post body of the first goal postwith the first goal post disposed through the first post opening and thegoal frame in the playing position. The second cover end portion and themain cover portion are cooperatively formed to surround the post body ofthe second goal post with the second goal post disposed through thesecond post opening and the goal frame in the playing position.

According to various embodiments, the main cover portion may have anopen position and a closed position. The main cover portion and thecrossbar housing section may be cooperatively sized and configured tosurround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position andthe main cover portion in the closed position. The main cover portion isaligned with first and second cover ends portions with the main coverportion in the closed position, and the main cover portion is notaligned with first and second cover ends portions with the main coverportion in the open position. The first post opening may becooperatively formed by the first cover end portion and the main coverportion with the main cover portion in the closed position, and thesecond post opening may be cooperatively formed by the second cover endportion and the main cover portion with the main cover portion in theclosed position. The sports goal may further include a hinge attachedthe main cover portion and the crossbar housing section for allowing themain cover portion to move between the open and closed positions. Thepost bodies of the first and second goal posts may be circular shaped,and the first and second post openings may be circular shaped. The maincover portion may include first and second lateral sides and front andback longitudinal sides. The front and back longitudinal sides may beparallel to each other and extend along the crossbar housing section.The first lateral side may be disposed adjacent the first cover endportion, and the second lateral side may be disposed adjacent the secondcover end portion.

Further, the front longitudinal side may be longer than the backlongitudinal side. The main cover portion may be hingedly attached tothe crossbar housing section at the front longitudinal side. The firstand second lateral sides may be disposed at 45 degrees to the front andback longitudinal sides. The first lateral side may include a first sideindentation. The first cover end portion may include a first endindentation. The first side indentation and the first end indentationmay cooperatively form the first post opening. The second lateral sidemay include a second side indentation, the second cover end portionincludes a second end indentation. The second side indentation and thesecond end indentation may cooperatively form the second post opening.The first and second end indentations and the first and second sideindentations may be all semi-circular shaped. The sports goal mayfurther include a net attachable to the goal frame.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a retractable sportsgoal includes a goal frame housing and a goal frame. The goal framehousing includes a horizontal crossbar housing section having first andsecond housing ends. The goal frame housing further includes a firstgoal post housing section extending from the first housing end away fromand perpendicular to the crossbar housing section. The goal framehousing further includes a second goal post housing section extendingfrom the first housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbarhousing section. The goal frame has a playing position and a retractedposition. The goal frame includes a crossbar having first and secondcrossbar ends. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in thecrossbar housing section. In the playing position the crossbar isextended vertically away from the crossbar housing section. The goalframe further includes a first goal post having a first top end, a firstbottom end and a first post body disposed between the first top end andthe first bottom end. The first top end of the first goal post isconnected to the first crossbar end with the crossbar being disposedperpendicular to the first goal post. The goal frame further includes asecond goal post having a second top end, a second bottom end and asecond post body disposed between the second top end and the secondbottom end. The second top end of the second goal post is connected tothe second crossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicularto the second goal post. In the playing position the crossbar isextended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the firstand second goal posts are respectively extended from the first andsecond goal post housing sections. In the retracted position thecrossbar is completely disposed in the crossbar housing section and thefirst and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first andsecond goal post housing sections. The goal frame further includes firstgoal post wheels mounted to the first goal post sized and configured toengage the first goal post housing section in rolling contact upon thegoal frame moving between the playing position and the retractedposition. The goal frame further includes second goal post wheelsmounted to the second goal post sized and configured to engage thesecond goal post housing section in rolling contact upon the goal framemoving between the playing position and the retracted position.

According to various embodiments, the first goal post wheels may includefour wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post, and thesecond goal post wheels may include four wheels disposed equallyradially about the second goal post. The first goal post wheels may bemounted to the first goal post adjacent the first bottom end, and thesecond goal post wheels may be mounted to the second goal post adjacentthe second bottom end. The goal frame housing may include first housingwheels mounted to the first goal post housing section sized andconfigured to engage the first goal post in rolling contact upon thegoal frame moving between the playing position and the retractedposition. The goal frame housing may further include second housingwheels mounted to the second goal post housing section sized andconfigured to engage the second goal post in rolling contact upon thegoal frame moving between the playing position and the retractedposition. The first housing wheels may include four wheels disposedequally radially about the first goal post housing section. The secondhousing wheels may include four wheels disposed equally radially aboutthe second goal post housing section. The first goal post wheels may beangularly interposed between the first housing wheels about the firstgoal post, and the second goal post wheels may be angularly interposedbetween the second housing wheels about the second goal post. The sportsgoal may further include a counter-weight sized and configured to biasthe goal frame towards the playing position. The counter-weight may beattached to the first and second goal posts via cables.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a retractable sportsgoal that includes a goal frame housing, a goal frame, and acounter-weight. The goal frame housing includes a horizontal crossbarhousing section having first and second housing ends. The goal framehousing incudes a first goal post housing section extending from thefirst housing end away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housingsection. The goal frame further includes a second goal post housingsection extending from the first housing end away from and perpendicularto the crossbar housing section. The goal frame has a playing positionand a retracted position. The goal frame includes a crossbar havingfirst and second crossbar ends. In the retracted position the crossbaris disposed in the crossbar housing section. In the playing position thecrossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section.The goal frame further includes a first goal post having a first topend, a first bottom end and a first post body disposed between the firsttop end and the first bottom end. The first top end of the first goalpost is connected to the first crossbar end with the crossbar beingdisposed perpendicular to the first goal post. The goal frame furtherincludes a second goal post having a second top end, a second bottom endand a second post body disposed between the second top end and thesecond bottom end. The second top end of the second goal post isconnected to the second crossbar end with the crossbar being disposedperpendicular to the second goal post. In the playing position thecrossbar being extended vertically away from the crossbar housingsection and the first and second goal posts is respectively extendedfrom the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retractedposition the crossbar is completely disposed in the crossbar housingsection and the first and second goal posts being respectively disposedin the first and second goal post housing sections. The counter-weightsized and configured to bias the goal frame towards the playingposition. The counter-weight may be attached to the first and secondgoal posts via cables.

The present invention will be best understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playing surface including a court anda pair of retractable sports goals as installed in the playing surfaceaccording to an aspect of the invention along with a pair of mobilebasketball hoops;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a sports goal of FIG. 1 in a retracted positionwith a portion of the surrounding playing surface;

FIG. 3 is the top view of the sports goal of FIG. 2 with a goal frame ina playing position with a main cover portion in an open position;

FIG. 4 is the top view of the sports goal of FIG. 2 in the goal frame ina playing position with the main cover portion in a closed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 6 is the perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 5 with thegoal frame in a retracted position and the main cover portion in theopen position;

FIG. 7 is the perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 6 with thegoal frame in between the retracted position and the playing positionand the main cover portion in the open position;

FIG. 8 is the perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 7 with thegoal frame in the playing position and the main cover portion in theclosed position;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of the sports goal of FIG. 8 asshown with a net;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal with the goalframe in the retracted position and the main cover portion in the closedposition;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal of FIG. 10with the goal frame in the playing position and the main cover portionin the closed position;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional front view of a sports goal according toanother embodiment with a goal frame in a playing position;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal of FIG. 12with the goal frame in between the retracted position and the playingposition;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal of FIG. 13with the goal frame in the retracted position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 13 with a goalframe housing without any cover (with a portion of first and second goalposts of the goal frame and first and second goal posts housing sectionsin dashed lining);

FIG. 16 is the perspective view of the sports goal of FIG. 15 with thegoal frame in the retracted position (with a portion of the first andsecond goal posts of the goal frame and first and the second goal postshousing sections in dashed lining)

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional front view of a sports goal according toanother embodiment with counter-weight and a goal frame in a playingposition; and

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal of FIG. 17with the goal frame in a retracted position.

FIG. 19(A) shows a sports goal in accordance with another embodiment inthe retracted position.

FIG. 19(B) shows the sports goal of FIG. 19(a) in the playing position.

FIG. 19(C) shows a portion of FIG. 19(A) in greater detail,

FIG. 19(D) a portion of FIG. 19(B) in greater detail.

FIG. 19(E) shows the cover of the embodiment of FIGS. 19(A)-(D) in openposition.

FIG. 19(F) shows the crossbar 248 of FIGS. 19(A)-(E) with one of theopening covers in further detail.

FIG. 19(G) shows the sports goal of FIGS. 19(A)-(F) in the retractedposition, including internal components including wheels andcounterweight arrangement shown in phantom.

FIG. 19(H) shows the sports goal of FIGS. 19(A)-(G), including internalcomponents shown in phantom, including the wheels and counterweightarrangement, and the crossbar in cross-section.

FIG. 19(I) shows the crossbar and one tubular goal post housing sectionof the sports goal of FIGS. 19(A)-(H), including the wheels, and showingin phantom the counterweight arrangement.

FIG. 19(J) shows an exemplary track net groove, net, and slug bail.

FIG. 19(K) shows the track net groove in cross-section.

FIG. 19(L) shows an exemplary embodiment with a mounting tube withinwhich a counterweight is located.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and thedetailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms thatmay be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the variousfunctions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is tobe understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may beaccomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to beencompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is furtherunderstood that the use of relational terms such as top and bottom,first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entityfrom another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual suchrelationship or order between such entities.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is depicted a perspective view of aplaying surface 10 with a pair of retractable sports goals 12, 14 asinstalled in the playing surface 10 according to an aspect of theinvention. In this example, the playing surface 10 includes a court 16as defined by a court boundary 18. The court boundary 18 includes afirst baseline 20 and a second baseline 22. A basketball hoop 24 may bepositioned at the first baseline 20 and another basketball hoop 26 maybe positioned at the second baseline 22. In this embodiment, thebasketball hoops 24, 26 are mobile. The basketball hoop 24 is depictedas having been moved back and the to side of its playing positionadjacent the first baseline 20. The basketball hoop 26 positionedadjacent the second baseline 22. Each of the basketball hoops 24, 26includes a pole 28 that supports a basketball backboard 30 with anattached basketball rim 32. Each basketball backboard 26 may berespectively aligned with the first and second baselines 20, 22. Theretractable sports goals 12, 14 are both depicted in a playing position.It noted that the sports goal 14 is depicted without a net for ease ofviewing purposes. It is also noted that in practice one would not deploythe sport goal 14 with the basketball hoop 26 also it its playingposition but are depicted for reference purposes.

The retractable sports goals 12, 14 are installed in the playing surface10 as aligned with the first and second baselines 20, 22. In thisregard, the present invention recognizes that the sports goals 12, 14may be installed relative to the court boundary 18 to allow the courtboundary 18 to facilitate use in other games than basketball, such as ahardtop version of soccer, street hockey (with or without roller orinline skates, and street lacrosse. This installation allows for whatotherwise would be a dedicated basketball activity space to a multi-usefacilitate, allowing for the introduction of a variety activities. It isalso contemplated that the sports goals 12, 14 may be installed in thecourt 16 for its own dedicated usage.

With reference to FIGS. 2-11 , in accordance with one embodiment, thereis provided a retractable sports goal, such as the sports goal 12. Thesports goal includes a goal frame housing 32 and a goal frame 34. Thegoal frame 12 has a playing position and a retracted position. Thesports goal 12 further includes a cover plate 36 with a main coverportion 38 having an open position and a closed position. FIG. 2 is atop view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 1 in the retracted position witha portion of the surrounding playing surface 10. FIG. 3 is the top viewof the sports goal 12 of FIG. 2 with the goal frame 34 in a playingposition with the main cover portion 38 in the open position. FIG. 4 isthe top view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 2 in the goal frame in 34 theplaying position with a main cover portion in a closed position. FIG. 5is a perspective view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 2 . FIG. 6 is theperspective view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 5 with the goal frame ina retracted position and the main cover portion 38 in the open position.FIG. 7 is the perspective view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 6 with thegoal frame 34 in between the retracted position and the playing positionand the main cover portion 38 in the open position. FIG. 8 is theperspective view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 7 with the goal frame 34in the playing position and the main cover portion 38 in the closedposition. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of the sports goal 12 ofFIG. 8 as shown with a net 40. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional front viewof the sports goal 12 with the goal frame 34 in the retracted positionand the main cover portion 38 in the closed position. FIG. 11 is a crosssectional front view of the sports goal 12 of FIG. 10 with the goalframe 34 in the playing position and the main cover portion 38 in theclosed position.

The goal frame housing 32 has a crossbar housing section 42 with firstand second housing ends 44, 46. The goal frame 34 includes a crossbar 48having first and second crossbar ends 50, 52. In the retracted positionthe crossbar 48 is disposed in the crossbar housing section 42, such asdepicted in FIGS. 6 and 10 . In the playing position the crossbar 48 isextended vertically away from the crossbar housing section 42, such asdepicted in FIGS. 8 . 9 and 11. The goal frame 34 further includes firstand second goal posts 54, 56. The first goal post 54 has a top end 58, abottom end 60 and a post body 62 disposed between the top and bottomends 58, 60. The second goal post 56 has a top end 64, a bottom end 66and a post body 68 disposed between the top and bottom ends 64, 66. Thetop ends 58, 64 of the first and second goal posts 54, 56 arerespectively connected to the first and second crossbar ends 50, 52 withthe crossbar 48 being disposed perpendicular to the first and secondgoal posts 54, 56.

The sports goal further includes the cover plate 36. The cover plate 36has first and second cover ends portions 70, 72 with the main coverportion 38 disposed between the first and second cover end portions 70,72. The cover plate 36 further has first and second post openings 74,76. The main cover portion 38 is positionable along the crossbar housingsection 42. The cover plate 36 and the crossbar housing section 42 arecooperatively sized and configured to surround the crossbar 48 with thegoal frame 34 in the retracted position. The first cover end portion 70and the main cover portion 38 are cooperatively formed to surround thepost body 62 of the first goal post 54 with the first goal post 54disposed through the first post opening 74 and the goal frame 34 in theplaying position. The second cover end portion 72 and the main coverportion 38 are cooperatively formed to surround the post body 68 of thesecond goal post 56 with the second goal post 56 disposed through thesecond post opening 76 and the goal frame 34 in the playing position.

According to various embodiments, the main cover portion 38 may have anopen position and a closed position. The main cover portion 38 and thecrossbar housing section 42 may be cooperatively sized and configured tosurround the crossbar 48 with the goal frame 34 in the retractedposition and the main cover portion 38 in the closed position. The maincover portion 38 is aligned with first and second cover ends portions70, 72 with the main cover portion 38 in the closed position. The maincover portion 38 is not aligned with first and second cover endsportions 70, 72 with the main cover portion 38 in the open position.This is because the main cover portion 38 is moved from a position ofalignment to one which allows for access to the interior of the crossbarhousing section 42.

The main cover portion 38 and the first and second cover end portions70, 72 are configured to seamlessly blend with the adjacent playingsurface 10 so as minimize any trip hazard and to mitigate against waterfrom entering the goal frame housing 32. In this regard, the main coverportion 38 and the first and second cover end portions 70, 72 areconfigured to be vertically aligned with the playing surface 10 and witha minimal amount of gaps with the playing surface 10 when the main coverportion 38 in the closed position. The hinge 78 may be recessed to as tonot protrude from the playing surface 10. Further, the outer surfaces ofthe main cover portion 38 and the first and second cover end portions70, 72 may be include surface characteristics to be similar to thesurrounding playing surface 10 and/or to not be relatively smooth so asto create in slip hazard. Various warning indicia may be imprinted uponthe main cover portion 38 when rotated to the opened position so as towarn user not to “play.”

The first post opening 74 may be cooperatively formed by the first coverend portion 70 and the main cover portion 38 with the main cover portion38 in the closed position. Likewise, the second post opening 76 may becooperatively formed by the second cover end portion 72 and the maincover portion 38 with the main cover portion 38 in the closed position.The sports goal 12 may further include a hinge 78 attached the maincover portion 38 and the crossbar housing section 42 for allowing themain cover portion 38 to move between the open and closed positions. Thehinge 78 may be constructed without any portion of it extending beyondthe uppermost surfaces of the main cover portion 68 and the adjacentportion of the crossbar housing section 42. This allows for a smoothhorizontal transition along these surfaces with the main cover portion38 in the closed position.

The post bodies 62, 68 of the first and second goal posts 54, 56 may becircular shaped. The first and second post openings 74, 76 may also becircular shaped. These complementary circular shapes are sized with thefirst and second posting openings 74, 76 being slightly bigger than thepost bodies 62, 68. It is desirable to minimize any gaps between theslightly bigger diameter first and second posting openings 74, 76compared to the post bodies 62,68. This mitigates safety issues with anyopenings or gaps about the post bodies 62, 68 while the main coverportion 38 is in the closed position. However, it is also desirable thatthe first and second post openings 74, 76 are sized so as to allow themain cover portion 38 be freely rotate between the open and closedpositions without the main cover portion 38 contacting the post bodies62, 68 with the first and second goal posts 54, 56 in the playingposition.

The main cover portion 38 may include first and second lateral sides 80,82 and front and back longitudinal sides 84, 86. The front and backlongitudinal sides 84, 86 may be parallel to each other and extend alongthe crossbar housing section 42. The first lateral side 80 may bedisposed adjacent the first cover end portion 72. The second lateralside 82 may be disposed adjacent the second cover end portion 74.Further, the front longitudinal side 84 may be longer than the backlongitudinal side 86. The main cover portion 38 is hingedly attached tothe crossbar housing section 42 at the front longitudinal side 84 withthe hinge 78. The first lateral side 80 may include a first sideindentation 88. The first cover end portion 70 may include a first endindentation 90. The first side indentation 88 and the first endindentation 90 may cooperatively form the first post opening 74.Similarly, the second lateral side 82 may include a second sideindentation 92. The second cover end portion 72 includes a second endindentation 94. The second side indentation 92 and the second endindentation 94 may cooperatively form the second post opening 76. Thefirst and second end indentations 90, 94 and the first and second sideindentations 88, 92 may be all semi-circular shaped.

An aspect of the present invention recognizes that the first and secondpost openings 74, 76 may be configured to have a minimal size about thepost bodies 62, 68 while allowing for freedom of movement of the maincover portion 38 to move between the open and closed positions. In thisregard, the first and second lateral sides 80, 82 may be disposed at 45degrees to the front and back longitudinal sides 84, 86. As such thefirst and second lateral sides 80, 82 are at 45 degrees relative to theaxis of rotation of the main cover portion 38 (i.e., along the hinge78). This mitered junction allows for a minimal sizing of the first andsection post openings 74, 76.

The sports goal 12 may further have first and second opening covers 96,98. The first opening cover 96 may be used to cover or otherwise bedisposed in and across the first post opening 74 when the main coverportion 38 is in the closed position (such as depicted in FIGS. 2, 5 and10 ). The second opening cover 98 may be used to cover or otherwise bedisposed in and across the second post opening 76 when the main coverportion 38 is in the closed position. The first and second openingcovers 96, 98 may be used to close up the goal frame housing 32 when thesports goal 12 is not in use and the main cover portion is the closedposition and the goal frame 34 is in the retracted position. The firstand second opening covers 96, 98 may be tethered to the underside of themain cover portion 38 so as to not become lost when not positioned inthe first and second post openings 74, 76.

The goal frame housing 32 may include a first goal post housing section100 and a second goal post housing section 102. The first goal posthousing section 100 extends orthogonally to crossbar housing section 42at the first housing end 44. The second goal post housing section 102extends orthogonally to crossbar housing section 42 at the secondhousing end 46. In this regard, the first and second goal post housingsections 100, 102 extend vertically downward in a caisson-like manner.The first and second goal post housing sections 100, 102 are sized andconfigured to respectively receive the first and second goal posts 54,56 when the goal frame 34 is in the retracted position.

A first gas spring 104 and a second gas spring 106 may be provided. Thefirst gas spring 104 may be disposed in the first goal post housingsection 100 and may be configured to support the first goal post 54 atthe bottom end 60. The second gas spring 106 may be disposed in thesecond goal post housing section 102 and may be configured to supportthe second goal post 56 at the bottom end 66. The first and second gassprings 104, 106 may be sized and configured to bias the first andsecond goal posts upwards from the retracted position towards theplaying position. At the least, the first and second gas springs 104,106 may provide some degree of vertical force on the first and secondgoal posts 54, 56, which may or may not be more than the overall weightof the goal frame 34. Nonetheless, the first and second gas springs 104,106 may be used to assist the user when deploy the goal frame 34 fromthe retracted position to the playing position. Though not shown, alocking mechanism may be provided to releasably retain the goal frame 34in the retracted position, as well as the playing position. Suchmechanism may be released to allow for the deployment of the goal frame34 from the retracted position. Once the goal frame 34 is in its playingposition, the goal frame 34 may be temporarily locked into place withthe locking mechanism. This is provided as a safety feature to mitigateagainst the goal frame 34 from inadvertently collapsing from the playingposition. This may be as simple as providing spring loaded locking pinsor cotter pins. The first and second gas springs 104, 106 may also beconfigured to provide a damping effect when lowering the goal frame 34from the playing position so as to avoid the goal frame 34 from rapidlydropping in an unsafe manner.

A first goal post base 108 may be provided in the goal frame housing 32at the first housing end 44 adjacent the crossbar housing section 42,and a second goal post base 110 may be provided in the goal framehousing 32 at the second housing end 46 adject the crossbar housingsection 42. The first and second goal post bases 108, 110 providestructural support and stability to the first and second goal posts 54,56, especially when the goal frame 34 is in the fully deployed playingposition.

The sports goal 12 may further include the net 40 attachable to the goalframe 34. The net 40 may be attached to the goal frame 34 through aseries of clips, rings and the like about the rear-facing side of thefirst and second goal posts 54, 56 and the crossbar 48. It iscontemplated that the net 40 may be attached even while the goal frame40 is in the retracted position. This allows the goal frame 34 to bedeployed in the playing position and the net 40 is substantially in acondition for play. A rearward portion of the net 40 may further beattached to the playing surface 10 with the use of retaining members 112and carabiners 114 (such as depicted in the side view of FIG. 12 ).

It is contemplated that the material selections for the variouscomponents of the sports goal 12 and the related manufacturing processesthereof may be chosen from any of those which are well known to one ofordinary skill in the art. For example the goal frame housing 30 and thegoal frame 34 may all be formed of metal, such as steel tubing andplates, of a variety of types and thicknesses with a variety of surfacetreatments.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 16 there is provided a sports goal 116according to another embodiment. The sports goal 116 is generallysimilar to the sports goal 12, however with the various differences asnotice. In this regard, like reference numerals indicate likestructures. Thus, similar referenced structures are as described abovebut with those differences noted.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal 116 accordingto another embodiment with a goal frame 126 in a playing position. FIG.13 is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal 116 of FIG. 12with the goal frame 126 in between the retracted position and theplaying position. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional front view of the sportsgoal 116 of FIG. 13 with the goal frame 126 in the retracted position.FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sports goal 116 of FIG. 13 with agoal frame housing 118 without any cover (with a portion of first andsecond goal posts 134, 136 of the goal frame 126 and first and secondgoal post housing sections 122, 124 in dashed lining). FIG. 16 is theperspective view of the sports goal 116 of FIG. 15 with the goal frame126 in the retracted position (with a portion of the first and secondgoal posts 134, 136 of the goal frame 126 and the first and second goalpost housing sections 122, 124 in dashed lining).

In this embodiment, the goal frame housing 118 includes a horizontalcrossbar housing section 120 and the first and second goal post housingsections 122, 124. The goal frame 126 incudes a crossbar 128 and thefirst and second goal posts 134, 136. The cross bar 128 has opposingfirst and second crossbar ends 130, 132. The first goal post 134includes a first top end 138, an opposing first bottom end 140, and afirst post body 142 disposed between the first top end 138 and the firstbottom end 140. The second goal post 136 includes a second top end 144,an opposing second bottom end 146, and a second post body 148 disposedbetween the second top end 144 and the second bottom end 146. The firstgoal post 134 extends perpendicularly from the crossbar 128 with thefirst top end 138 attached to the first crossbar end 130, and the secondgoal post 136 extends perpendicularly from the crossbar 128 with thesecond top end 144 attached to the second crossbar end 132.

The goal frame 126 has a playing position and a retracted position. Inthe retracted position the crossbar 128 is disposed in the crossbarhousing section 120. In the playing position the crossbar 128 isextended vertically away from the crossbar housing section 120. In theplaying position the crossbar 128 is extended vertically away from thecrossbar housing section 120 and the first and second goal posts 134,136 are respectively extended from the first and second goal posthousing sections 122, 124. In the retracted position the crossbar 128 iscompletely disposed in the crossbar housing section 120 and the firstand second goal posts 134, 136 are respectively disposed in the firstand second goal post housing sections 122, 124.

The goal frame 126 further includes first goal post wheels 150 mountedto the first goal post 134 sized and configured to engage the first goalpost housing section 122 in rolling contact upon the goal frame 126moving between the playing position and the retracted position. The goalframe 126 further includes second goal post wheels 154 mounted to thesecond goal post 136 sized and configured to engage the second goal posthousing section 124 in rolling contact upon the goal frame 126 movingbetween the playing position and the retracted position. In this regard,the first and second goal post wheels 150, 152 are respectivelyconfigured to spin about axes of rotation that are orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of each of the first and second goal posts 134, 136.As such, the first and second goal post wheels 150, 154 are respectivelyconfigured to roll in the direction along the longitudinal axes of thefirst and second goal posts 134, 136 (i.e., in a vertical direction).

According to various embodiments, the first goal post wheels 150 mayinclude four wheels disposed equally radially about the first goal post134, and the second goal post wheels 154 may include four wheelsdisposed equally radially about the second goal post 136. The first goalpost wheels 150 may be mounted to the first goal post 134 adjacent thefirst bottom end 140, and the second goal post wheels 154 may be mountedto the second goal post 136 adjacent the second bottom end 146. A firstpost wheel support 152 may be provided that is used to rotatably attachthe first goal post wheels 150 to the first goal post 134 adjacent thefirst bottom end 140. A second post wheel support 156 may be providedthat is used to rotatably attach the second goal post wheels 154 to thesecond goal post 136 adjacent the second bottom end 146.

Further, the first goal post housing section 122 may be cooperativelysized and configured to be slightly larger than the arrangement of thefirst goal post wheels 150. In this regard, the first goal post housingsection 122 may have a square cross section with each side being inrolling contact with a respective one of the first goal post wheels 150.Similarly, the second goal post housing section 124 may be cooperativelysized and configured to be slightly larger than the arrangement of thesecond goal post wheels 150. In this regard, the second goal posthousing section 124 may have a square cross section with each side beingin rolling contact with a respective one of the second goal post wheels154. This configuration allows for the first and second goal posts 134,136 to be centered respectively within the first and second goal posthousing sections 122, 124.

The goal frame housing 118 may include first housing wheels 158 mountedto the first goal post housing section 122 sized and configured toengage the first goal post 134 in rolling contact upon the goal frame126 moving between the playing position and the retracted position. Thegoal frame housing 118 may further include second housing wheels 162mounted to the second goal post housing section 124 sized and configuredto engage the second goal post 136 in rolling contact upon the goalframe 126 moving between the playing position and the retractedposition.

A first housing wheel support 160 may be provided that is used torotatably attach the first housing wheels 158 to crossbar housingsection 120 adjacent the first goal post housing section 122. A secondhousing wheel support 164 may be provided that is used to rotatablyattach the second housing wheels 162 to crossbar housing section 120adjacent the second goal post housing section 124. The first housingwheels 158 may include four wheels disposed equally radially about thefirst goal post housing section 134. The second housing wheels 162 mayinclude four wheels disposed equally radially about the second goal posthousing section 136. This configuration further allows for the first andsecond goal posts 134, 136 to be centered respectively within the firstand second goal post housing sections 122, 124.

The first goal post wheels 150 may be angularly interposed between thefirst housing wheels 158 about the first goal post 134, and the secondgoal post wheels 154 may be angularly interposed between the secondhousing wheels 162 about the second goal post 136. This interposedarrangement allows for the first and second goal posts 134, 136 to beassembled into the first and second goal post housing sections 122, 124without the first goal post wheels 150 interfering with the firsthousing wheels 158 and the second goal post wheels 154 interfering withthe second housing wheels 162 during the assembly process. As such, thefirst goal post wheels 150 are respectively able to pass through andamong the first housing wheels 158 upon the first bottom end 140 beingpositioned in the first goal post housing section 122, and the secondgoal post wheels 154 are respectively able to pass through and among thesecond housing wheels 162 upon the second bottom end 146 beingpositioned in the second goal post housing section 124.

There may be provided locking levers 166, 168. The locking lever 166,168 may be respectively used to engage and controllably lock into placethe first and second goal posts 134, 136 relative to the goal framehousing 118 when the goal frame 126 is in the playing position.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 through 18 there is provided the sports goal116 according to another embodiment with the various differences asnotice. In this regard, like reference numerals indicate likestructures. Thus, similar referenced structures are as described abovebut with those differences noted. FIG. 17 is a cross sectional frontview of the sports goal 116 according to another embodiment with acounter-weight 172 and the goal frame 126 in a playing position. FIG. 18is a cross sectional front view of the sports goal of FIG. 17 with thegoal frame 126 in a retracted position. The goal frame housing 118 mayfurther include a counter-weight housing section 170. The counter-weighthousing section 170 extends vertically downward from the crossbarhousing section 120 parallel to the first and second goal post housingsections 122, 124.

The sports goal 116 may further include the counter-weight 172 sized andconfigured to bias the goal frame 126 towards the playing position. Thecounter-weight 172 may be attached to the first and second goal postsvia cables 174 and pulleys 176. The counter-weight 172 is positioned inthe counter-weight housing section 170. The cables 174 are attached tothe counter-weight 172 and respectively mechanically connect to thefirst and second bottom ends 140, 146. With this arrangement, thecounter-weight 172 is configured to move vertically with its weightbeing counteracted upon by pulling of the attached cables 174. Thetension in the cables 172 imparts an pulling force upon the first andsecond goal posts 134, 136. Although in FIGS. 17 and 18 thecounter-weight is shown as a single counterweight 172 for both posts134, 136, the counterweight could include separate counterweights forthe left and right goal posts 134, 136, or any other number ofcounter-weights.

During the construction and installation phase of deploying the sportsgoal 116, the ground or soil preparation would include trenching anddigging holes for the first and second goal post housing 122, 124. It iscontemplated it would be a simple additional task to dig out a hole toaccommodate the counter-weight housing section 170 as well. The use ofthe counter-weight 172 is a relatively low cost and low-tech solutionproviding an assistive force to help move the goal frame 126 into theplaying position. This also provides a counter-force to prevent the goalframe 126 from rapidly falling into the retracted position.

FIGS. 19(A) through 19(L) illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention. The sports goal 216 is generally similar to the sports goal12, however with the various differences as notice. In this regard, likereference numerals indicate like structures. Thus, similar referencedstructures are as described above but with those differences noted.

FIG. 19(A) shows the sports goal 216 in the retracted position and FIG.19(B) shows the sports goal 216 in the playing position. FIG. 19(C)shows a portion of FIG. 19(A) in greater detail, whereas FIG. 19(D) aportion of FIG. 19(B) in greater detail. FIG. 19(E) shows the cover 238in open position, as compared to FIG. 19(D) where the cover 236 is inthe closed position. FIG. 19(F) shows the crossbar 248 of FIG. 19(B),with one of the opening covers (296) in further detail. FIGS. 19 (G, H,I) shows the sports goal 216 in retracted position, with a phantom viewto illustrate the wheels and counterweight system for assisting movementof the sports goal 216 from the retracted position to the playingposition and vice versa. FIG. 19(J) shows an exemplary track net groove.FIG. 19(K) shows the tubular goal components (crossbar, left and rightgoal posts) in cross-section including the linear slot opening. FIG.19(L) schematically shows the mounting tube 299 for sprocket 279, chain277 and counterweight 272, located within goal post 254, which in turnis within goal post housing 200. The same structure is also providedwithin housing 202, as illustrated more generally in FIGS. 19(A) and19(B).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 19 (A-L), the goal frame housing 232 includesa center portion 232.1 and two enlarged end portions 232.2 and 232.3.The end portions 232.2 and 232.3 are enlarged, shown here as generallycylindrical, so that there is room to accommodate the wheels 250. Thecenter portion 232.1, which is the major portion, houses the crossbar248 and netting, and thus can have a reduced width as compared to theenlarged end portions 232.2 and 232.3, thereby providing a smallerfootprint. The housing 232 provides a full encasement that houses thecrossbar and netting. Connected to the housing 232 are goal post housingsections 200, 202.

Referring to FIGS. 19 (C, D, E, F), the cover plate 236 includes maincover portion 238 on hinge 278, which has an open position and a closedposition, as well as cover end portions 270 and 272 which are welded orotherwise secured to the frame housing 232. As shown, each end portionis of a two-piece construction for ease of manufacture, though a smalleror greater number of pieces can be used. Unlike the embodiment of FIG.11 , the opening covers 296, 298 are welded other otherwise securelyjoined to the top of the crossbar, so that when the cross-bar is in theretracted position, the first and second goal post openings 274 (onlyone labeled) are covered, forming a continuous playing surface.

Referring to FIGS. 19 (D, J, K), a recessed track net groove 290 isprovided on the first and second goal posts 254, 256 for connectingnetting, for example via clips connected to the netting and movablealong the groove 290, with the netting also secured to the crossbar 248.In accordance with a further aspect of this embodiment, a net groove isalso provided in the crossbar 248, and preferably both grooves arelinear slots, where the linear slots have a cylindrical shape where thecylinder diameter is wider than the linear slot opening 290, as shown inFIG. 19(J). In this regard, the slot preferably comprises ⅓ or less ofthe cylinder circumference. The net 40 can be attached to the netgrooves or channels in posts 254, 256 and crossbar 248 with sliding slugbails 401. With this construction, when the goal slides down into theretracted position the slug bails 401 press against and coil the net uptowards the crossbar 248 as the goal descends, somewhat similar to asail descending on a boat mast. This process will create an automaticfolding of the net so it can be stored in the crossbar box under thecrossbar. Then when the goal goes from the retracted position of FIG.19(A) to the extended position of FIG. 19(B), the natural weight of theslug bails and net allow it to fall into the expanded playing positionwhen in play position.

Referring to FIGS. 19 (A-E, G-I), tubular goal post housing section 200houses a counterweight 272 and chain 277 within its hollow interior, andtubular goal post housing section 202 also houses a counterweight 272within its hollow interior. Further, as compared housing wheels 158 ofFIG. 15 , the first and second housing wheels 250 include 3 wheelsdisposed equally radially about the first goal post 254 and second goalpost 256 respectively. In this regard, wheel supports for the housingwheels 250 are provided that are similar to wheel supports 152 and 154of FIG. 15 , except that they house 3 wheels instead of four. Goal postwheels 150 of FIG. 15 can alternatively be in the form of gliders suchas plastic or derlin gliders, with 3 or 4 gliders at the bottom of eachgoal post. Further, while the cable in FIGS. 19 (A-E, G-I) is in theform of a chain 277, other types of cables can alternatively be used.Further, while the pulley is provided in the form of a sprocket 279 inFIG. 19 (A-E, G-H, L) to connect the counterweight 272 to its respectivepost 254 or 256, other types of pulleys or other known mechanisms couldalternatively be used.

Preferably, the sprocket 279 is fixed relative to the goal post housingsection, at location below the wheel supports for wheels 250 asillustrated in FIGS. 19 (G-H, L). One end of the chain is connected tothe counterweight 272 while the other end of the chain is secured to thegoal post 254/256. The sprocket 279, chain 277, and counterweight 272are located radially within the tubular goal post 254/256, which in turnis located radially within the goal post housing 200/202 as shown inFIG. 19(L). In one exemplary embodiment, the sprocket 279 is mounted tothe top of a mounting tube 299 secured to the bottom of the goal posthousing section 200/202, and located radially within the goal post254/256 as shown in FIG. 19(L).

Referring to FIG. 19 (H-I), in the exemplary arrangement shown, theouter circumferential face of the wheels 250 extends through a cutout inthe goal post housing section 200/202 to engage the goal post 254/256,while a major portion of the wheel 250 remains outside the goal posthousing section 200/202 and within the enlarged end portion 232.2/232.3of the goal frame housing.

When the goal posts 254/256 are in the retracted position, the sprocket,chain, and counterweight are all located within the hollow interior ofthe goal post 254/256. As the goal post 254/256 is raised, the sprocket279 remains fixed to the goal post housing 200/202, and thecounterweight 272 moves downward as illustrated in FIGS. 19(A), (B).Preferably, the weight of the counterweight is selected such that itprovides a bias sufficient to cause the goal post to rise automaticallyfrom the retracted position to the playing position once the cover 238is opened. Alternatively, the weight of the counterweight can beselected so as to merely decrease the amount of force required to causethe goal post to rise automatically from the retracted position to theplaying position.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes ofillustrative discussion, and are presented in the cause of providingwhat is believed to be the most useful and readily understooddescription of the principles and conceptual aspects of the variousembodiments set forth in the present disclosure. In this regard, noattempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for afundamental understanding of the different features of the variousembodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent tothose skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.

1. A retractable sports goal comprising: a goal frame housing having acrossbar housing section with first and second housing ends; a goalframe, the goal frame having a playing position and a retractedposition, the goal frame including: a crossbar having first and secondcrossbar ends, in the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in thecrossbar housing section, in the playing position the crossbar beingextended vertically away from the crossbar housing section; and firstand second goal posts, each of the first and second goal posts having atop end, a bottom end and a post body disposed between the top andbottom ends, the top ends of the first and second goal posts beingrespectively connected to the first and second crossbar ends with thecrossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first and second goalposts; and a cover plate having first and second cover ends portions, amain cover portion disposed between the first and second cover endportions, and first and second post openings, the main cover portionpositionable along the crossbar housing section, the cover plate and thecrossbar housing section are cooperatively sized and configured tosurround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retracted position, thefirst cover end portion and the main cover portion are cooperativelyformed to surround the post body of the first goal post with the firstgoal post disposed through the first post opening and the goal frame inthe playing position, the second cover end portion and the main coverportion are cooperatively formed to surround the post body of the secondgoal post with the second goal post disposed through the second postopening and the goal frame in the playing position.
 2. The sports goalof claim 1 wherein the main cover portion has an open position and aclosed position.
 3. The sports goal of claim 2 wherein main coverportion and the crossbar housing section are cooperatively sized andconfigured to surround the crossbar with the goal frame in the retractedposition and the main cover portion in the closed position.
 4. Thesports goal of claim 2 wherein the main cover portion is aligned withfirst and second cover ends portions with the main cover portion in theclosed position, the main cover portion is not aligned with first andsecond cover ends portions with the main cover portion in the openposition.
 5. The sports goal of claim 2 wherein the first post openingis cooperatively formed by the first cover end portion and the maincover portion with the main cover portion in the closed position, thesecond post opening is cooperatively formed by the second cover endportion and the main cover portion with the main cover portion in theclosed position.
 6. The sports goal of claim 2 further includes a hingeattached the main cover portion and the crossbar housing section forallowing the main cover portion to move between the open and closedpositions.
 7. The sports goal of claim 1 wherein the post bodies of thefirst and second goal posts are circular shaped, and the first andsecond post openings are circular shaped.
 8. The sports goal of claim 1wherein the main cover portion includes first and second lateral sidesand front and back longitudinal sides, the front and back longitudinalsides are parallel to each other and extend along the crossbar housingsection, the first lateral side is disposed adjacent the first cover endportion, the second lateral side is disposed adjacent the second coverend portion.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The sports goal of claim 8wherein the first lateral side includes a first side indentation, thefirst cover end portion includes a first end indentation, the first sideindentation and the first end indentation cooperatively form the firstpost opening, the second lateral side includes a second sideindentation, the second cover end portion includes a second endindentation, the second side indentation and the second end indentationcooperatively form the second post opening.
 12. (canceled)
 13. Aretractable sports goal comprising: a goal frame housing including: ahorizontal crossbar housing section having first and second housingends; a first goal post housing section extending from the first housingend away from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section; and asecond goal post housing section extending from the first housing endaway from and perpendicular to the crossbar housing section; and a goalframe having a playing position and a retracted position, the goal frameincluding: a crossbar having first and second crossbar ends, in theretracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housingsection, in the playing position the crossbar is extended verticallyaway from the crossbar housing section; and a first goal post having afirst top end, a first bottom end and a first post body disposed betweenthe first top end and the first bottom end, the first top end of thefirst goal post being connected to the first crossbar end with thecrossbar being disposed perpendicular to the first goal post; and asecond goal post having a second top end, a second bottom end and asecond post body disposed between the second top end and the secondbottom end, the second top end of the second goal post being connectedto the second crossbar end with the crossbar being disposedperpendicular to the second goal post, in the playing position thecrossbar being extended vertically away from the crossbar housingsection and the first and second goal posts being respectively extendedfrom the first and second goal post housing sections, in the retractedposition the crossbar being completely disposed in the crossbar housingsection and the first and second goal posts being respectively disposedin the first and second goal post housing sections; first goal postwheels mounted to the first goal post sized and configured to engage thefirst goal post housing section in rolling contact upon the goal framemoving between the playing position and the retracted position; andsecond goal post wheels mounted to the second goal post sized andconfigured to engage the second goal post housing section in rollingcontact upon the goal frame moving between the playing position and theretracted position.
 14. The sports goal of claim 13 wherein the firstgoal post wheels include four wheels disposed equally radially about thefirst goal post, the second goal post wheels include four wheelsdisposed equally radially about the second goal post.
 15. The sportsgoal of claim 13 wherein the first goal post wheels are mounted to thefirst goal post adjacent the first bottom end, the second goal postwheels are mounted to the second goal post adjacent the second bottomend.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The sports goal ofclaim 13 further includes a counter-weight sized and configured to biasthe goal frame towards the playing position.
 19. The sports goal ofclaim 18, wherein the counter-weight includes a first counterweightdisposed in the first goal post housing section and connected to thefirst goal post and a second counterweight disposed in the first goalpost housing section and connected to the second goal post.
 20. Thesports goal of claim 18 wherein the counter-weight is attached to thefirst and second goal posts via cables.
 21. A retractable sports goalcomprising: a goal frame housing including: a horizontal crossbarhousing section having first and second housing ends; a first goal posthousing section extending from the first housing end away from andperpendicular to the crossbar housing section; and a second goal posthousing section extending from the first housing end away from andperpendicular to the crossbar housing section; a goal frame having aplaying position and a retracted position, the goal frame including: acrossbar having first and second crossbar ends, in the retractedposition the crossbar being disposed in the crossbar housing section, inthe playing position the crossbar being extended vertically away fromthe crossbar housing section; a first goal post having a first top end,a first bottom end and a first post body disposed between the first topend and the first bottom end, the first top end of the first goal postbeing connected to the first crossbar end with the crossbar beingdisposed perpendicular to the first goal post; and a second goal posthaving a second top end, a second bottom end and a second post bodydisposed between the second top end and the second bottom end, thesecond top end of the second goal post being connected to the secondcrossbar end with the crossbar being disposed perpendicular to thesecond goal post, in the playing position the crossbar being extendedvertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first andsecond goal posts being respectively extended from the first and secondgoal post housing sections, in the retracted position the crossbar beingcompletely disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first andsecond goal posts being respectively disposed in the first and secondgoal post housing sections; and a counter-weight sized and configured tobias the goal frame towards the playing position.
 22. The sports goal ofclaim 21 wherein the counter-weight is attached to the first and secondgoal posts via cables.
 23. The sports goal of claim 22, wherein thecables are chains.
 24. The sports-goal of claim 22, wherein thecounter-weight includes a first counterweight connected to the firstgoal post by a first cable and a second counterweight connected to thesecond goal post by a second chain.
 25. The sports-goal of claim 23,wherein the first counterweight and first cable are disposed in thefirst goal post housing section and the second counterweight and secondcable are disposed in the second goal post housing section.